Green Technology for Sustainability

According to the results of a recent Microsoft survey, small businesses
increasingly rely on technology to help the environment and save money. In fact,
60 percent of small biz decision-makers save money by using sustainable
technologies.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported that their companies are
more focused on being environmentally friendly than they were one year ago.

69 percent of respondents reported that environmentally friendly
practices are important for their business.

94 percent believe technology is an important tool to help accomplish
the greening of their business

All this greening up is good for Microsoft too. "Microsoft helps by reducing
the energy consumption of technology, helping manage environment footprint and
rethinking business practices. This enables organizations to improve both their
bottom line and the sustainability of their operations," said Francois Ajenstat,
director of environmental sustainability at Microsoft. The survey results
highlight sustainable practices that small-business decision-makers believe
represent the most savings potential for their business including the following:

Setting up standards to manage power consumption for computers, such as
setting computers or monitors to sleep mode after a period of not being used
(28 percent)

Allowing employees to telecommute (26 percent)

Upgrading server infrastructure with the most energy-efficient
technology available (16 percent)

Using mobile technology (15 percent)

Conducting live meetings that share resources over the Web such as
presentations (14 percent)